Executives to watch

The New York native served as president and CEO of Nike Bauer
Hockey for three years and acted as U.S. advertising director for Nike before
coming to the Vancouver Canucks last year. Despite selling out every night, the
Canucks owners felt the team could do more to expand the brand and the fan
base. Zimmerman’s blend of brand marketing and advertising experience could
lead to some interesting initiatives as he tries to achieve that in his first
full year on the job.

Bernie Mullin

After years of waiting for owner Steve Belkin’s lawsuit to be
resolved, the Atlanta Spirit appears poised to move forward under the stable
ownership of Bruce Levenson, Ed Peskowitz and Michael Gearon Jr. That should
allow President and CEO Mullin the chance to put his stamp on the organization
in an all-important year. The Thrashers are coming off their first playoff
appearance and the team will host the entire league in January for the NHL
All-Star Game.

Luc Robitaille

The highest scoring left wing in NHL history was named
president of business operations for the Los Angeles Kings in the offseason. As
a former player, he brings a different perspective to the front office than his
colleagues at other teams around the league. His focus over the next year will
be on recapturing the Los Angeles marketplace by promoting players more heavily,
doing more community outreach and attracting more Hollywood and entertainment
executives.

Brian Jennings

While he will still oversee the NHL’s consumer products
division, Jennings’ new title as executive vice president of marketing means he
will oversee research, creative and events. After years of relying on outside
marketing experts from the likes of Reebok and Anheuser-Busch, Jennings is an
insider holding the league’s marketing reins.